French video game maker Ubisoft is under mounting pressure as an investor push for the company’s sale gains momentum. Reuters has revealed that a coalition of shareholders, representing 10% of the company’s stake, is rallying behind the move. Leading this charge is AJ Investments, which holds a 1% stake in Ubisoft and has recently called for a change in leadership, including the replacement of long-time CEO Yves Guillemot.
Ubisoft in trouble
This push for change comes on the heels of significant challenges for Ubisoft. The company announced a three-month delay for the release of Assassin’s Creed Shadows, now expected in February 2025, and revised its net bookings guidance downwards. The combination of these setbacks has caused Ubisoft’s stock to plunge 30% this month, marking a 10-year low.
Adding to the company’s woes is the lukewarm reception of its latest release, Star Wars Outlaws. This, along with the delay of Assassin’s Creed and the underwhelming performance of past titles like Skull and Bones and Avatar: Frontiers of Pandora, has eroded investor confidence. Both games failed to meet analysts’ and shareholders’ expectations, contributing to Ubisoft’s continued struggles over the last two years.
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Despite being managed by the founding Guillemot family, Ubisoft’s recent string of financial and critical missteps has left it lagging behind its industry rivals. Investors are increasingly voicing their concerns about the company’s leadership and direction, calling for significant changes to reverse its fortunes.
With shareholders growing restless and key investors pushing for a sale, the future of one of France’s largest video game companies hangs in the balance.